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Ramraiders attack bank with tractor - VIDEO
This is the moment would-be thieves smashed a tractor into the front of a bank in a brazen attempted robbery.
A neighbour close to the HSBC bank in Liverpool Road, Longton, today described the incident as "unreal".
The drama unfolded at around 2.15am on Thursday.
Detectives have now launched a manhunt in a bid to catch the culprits.
These pictures, captured by a CCTV camera at the Spar store next door, show how the tractor was repeatedly reversed before being rammed into the front wall.
The raiders then fled with nothing, leaving the tractor embedded in the wall.
Police say it is unclear how many offenders were involved or how they got away. The tractor was stolen from a nearby farm off Marsh Lane, but the timing of that theft is also unclear.
Eyewitness Valerie Evans, who has lived in nearby Chapel Lane for 26 years, said: "I'm a very light sleeper and I woke up at about 1.30am.
"As I laid there trying to get to sleep I heard a noise outside like an engine.
"I got out of bed to have a look and saw this tractor. It went up School Lane and then it stopped and then just set off across the road.
"I couldn't believe my eyes, it went straight into the bank. Then it did it again. I got the phone and rang the police and said I'm watching a tractor running into the bank. It was weird, it was unreal."
Another, a woman who has lived on the road for nine years but asked not to be named, claimed the incident was not a surprise.
She said: "The Spar and the Post Office have both been done over. Longton is not as lovely a place as people think."
Officers flooded the scene and the force helicopter was dispatched to try and track down the would-be thieves.
Building control officers from South Ribble Council were at the bank yesterday to make sure the front wall was safe.
Det Sgt Jon Cass, of South Ribble CID, said: "We are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or saw the tractor driving around in the early hours or even late on Tuesday night to get in touch."
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "The cash machine is still intact and nothing has been taken but there has been extensive damage to the fabric of the building."
A spokesman for HSBC said there was some "significant structural damage" to the building and surveyors have been called in.
It will remain closed until the damage has been assessed.
Anyone with information or who saw the tractor travelling out of Longton South towards Walmer Bridge and the A59 is urged to call Preston police on 08451 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Preston
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -6 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
